Khabib Nurmagomedov Calls For Nate Diaz Next

A new threat has arrived at 155lbs following Khabib Nurmagomedov obliterated Thiago Tavares inside of one round at UFC on FX 7 in Brazil.

The Russian import blitzed Tavares after an initial punch put him on the mat, and then Nurmagomedov unloaded with a barrage of quick elbow strikes that bludgeoned the Brazilian earning him the TKO victory.

With a perfect record of 19-0 as a professional and 3-0 inside the UFC Octagon, Nurmagomedov could be poised to make a big run at 155lbs in 2013.

Following his win over Tavares on Saturday, Nurmagomedov made it clear who he wants next, and it happens to be a former lightweight title contender.

“The next fight I really want with Nate Diaz,” said Nurmagomedov when speaking with Fuel TV.

Typically the UFC avoids making match-ups with fighters coming off of wins with fighters coming off of losses, and Diaz most recently went down in defeat to UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 5.

Still, Nurmagomedov is a rising star and the call out on national television might be just the incentive matchmaker Joe Silva needs to pair him with the former Ultimate Fighter winner.

No matter who he gets next, the lightweight division is on notices that Khabib Nurmagomedov is for real, and he’s not going anywhere.

That’s a big step up for a guy with only 3 wins in the UFC. But you have to respect that at the same. Especially with 19 fights and unbeaten. There are a lot of fights in that division though. I’d rather see him go against Jim Miller.

MuayThaiFood

And Jim Miller isn’t a step up? This guy is an animal. I could see him giving Diaz fits. His three wins in the UFC are against solid opponents. Diaz, Miller either one would be good.

I like the Jim Miller fight stylistically. Either fight would be awesome of course. The division is so deep though I’m not sure if he’ll get a name like Diaz for his fourth fight. I don’t know if Nate would like it to much though b/c he doesn’t want to fight guys making a name off of him he wants fights with big names, not saying he would turn it down I’m sure he is game.

Cereal Killer

He just delivered a huge KO on live television! Put him on a FOX card to continue to build his popularity, then give him a PPV with another top 10 name.

Maddawgmar

I think he should Fight Rustam Khabilov. Both look really good, and could be future threats

Renee

The UFC tries to avoid fights between fighters coming off losses and wins?? That is a BS excuse considering Rory is fighting Carlos…almost exact same situation

The Champ x2

Calling out Nate Diaz, what a great idea. Nate needs a big win and he would get it. Now it won’t come easy but he would end up getting a submission. Nate had abad last outing out, Henderson is the new Phenom.